Articles
Symposium Shared Lessons, Technologies, and Experience
Harold Msanya
At ECHO East Africa’s recent symposium on appropriate technologies and renewable energy, several presentations were shared by innovators proposing solutions to various challenges. These presentations can be found on www.echocommunity.org [http://edn.link/tzat23]. In order to encourage readers to explore these options, some are highlighted in this ECHO East Africa Note.
Expand and Strengthen the ECHO East Africa Network Member
Sophia Kasubi
One of ECHO’s main objectives is to strengthen and expand the network members in the places where it operates. ECHO East Africa was able to hold two symposiums in Arusha, Tanzania, this year. The first was the Symposium on Sustainable Agriculture and Appropriate Technologies held in February, and the second was the First Symposium on Appropriate Technologies Innovations and Renewable Energy held the first week of August. The symposia are among many different events that trigger the expansion and strengthening of the ECHO East Africa network member base. It is an opportunity for different development workers around the globe to meet, share best practices, and network among themselves for the benefit of the people they serve.
Transformative Impact of Internships on Young Individuals
Faith Juma
ECHO trains energetic, highly motivated youth chance to gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental conservation; through a three-month to one-year internship program. Allowing them to dive deep and understand the complexities facing local farmers on the field and develop a passion for serving them. A cause close to the heart of ECHO that brings it closer to its purpose of providing “hope against hunger”.
Support the Mission of Work Through Partnership/Collaboration
Sophia Kasubi
In recent years, ECHO has collaborated with HAND IN HAND Eastern Africa to train smallholder farmers and community members to acquire knowledge on best practices to improve their livelihood and overall food and nutrition security. ECHO East Africa was engaged with Hand in Hand Eastern Africa to provide training for their beneficiaries in the Arusha branch. The project targeted specific wards and villages, with an estimated 1,300 beneficiaries. The main focus of the training was to enhance food and nutritional security through bio-intensive home gardening practices. Training sessions were conducted over several weeks from August 2022 through March 2023, with the participation of both ECHO East Africa and Hand in Hand Eastern Africa staff to ensure comprehensive coverage.